For Sale 1978 FJ40 - in Georgia

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I may go take a look and drive this one tomorrow:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/toyota/fj-cruiser/2233775.html

It is listed at $29,999 but the listing doesn't show much in the engine or underneath. I would be interested in input on: A) Things to look for/at? B) What might it be worth (based on various levels of restoration)? and C) Whatever other smart (not 'smart-ass') comments you all might have. Follow the link above. Thanks all!

40th (but no 40)



P.S. Sorry I didn't know exactly how to capture pictures and post them here...
 
Click to expand...
Nice the fenderwells are not cut, but the barn doors are :( it's a repaint I think too, not quite the right blue, interior tub might have been coated, it's at least gloss painted black I'd say good deal at $24,000 if drive is solid, maybe $27k if someone doesn't know better, no way would I go 30k
 
oakweb said:
Nice the fenderwells are not cut, but the barn doors are :( it's a repaint I think too, not quite the right blue, interior tub might have been coated, it's at least gloss painted black I'd say good deal at $24,000 if drive is solid, maybe $27k if someone doesn't know better, no way would I go 30k
Click to expand...

Thanks Oakweb!...Yeah, it definitely looks like a repaint...from the body to the winch & bumpers, and even the license place bracket. Actually the color and the wheels (and the weird marine speaker box) are my least favorite things about it.

But please forgive my ignorance on this question: What do you mean that the doors are "cut"? Do you mean the bottoms have been cut off? If so, why, and is there anything particular that I should look for?

I know the standard rust areas, so the paint (or bedliner) in the tub worries me. As such, any tips or advice you all might have would be welcomed. Thanks Oak!
 
Look at the ears on that one! Easily fixed. By cut doors I think he means the holes made to mount the speakers in the rear doors.
 
You may want to take a look at this Red 78. For close to the same money you get a frame off restored FJ40 with many items the blue truck is missing. PS, rear bumperettes, rear reflectors, lower miles, original front & rear mats, no rhino lining, rear heater, Auburn limited slip differential, amby doors that are not cut, manual, toolkit, inspection light, door straps and for a close offer, I will throw in $600 worth of OEM steel wheels.

I just invested another $700 in this truck with new OEM visors, new clutch master, new plugs, tune up, adjust carb, etc.

To see all the details click here -> lcn | 1978 FJ40 PS

1911266


The Hemmings truck does have aftermarket A/C and a winch to it's credit.
 
Recommend zooming in on the pics showing the rear of the tub, both sides immediately above the turn signal have something going on (looks like the outer sill was cut out just inside the spare tire hinge, and right side looks wavy).

Not a bad looking 40, but no where near as nice as the one Overton just posted

Good luck.
 
40th80for20at50 said:
I may go take a look and drive this one tomorrow:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/toyota/fj-cruiser/2233775.html

It is listed at $29,999 but the listing doesn't show much in the engine or underneath. I would be interested in input on: A) Things to look for/at? B) What might it be worth (based on various levels of restoration)? and C) Whatever other smart (not 'smart-ass') comments you all might have. Follow the link above. Thanks all!

40th (but no 40)



P.S. Sorry I didn't know exactly how to capture pictures and post them here...
Click to expand...

Take a lot of pictures (clear and well lit) tomorrow and then come post them on here for us to look at. Especially the entire undercarriage. Under the front fenders where the weld points are and the rear quarter panels. I can't tell from the pics in the ad but it looks like the rear bottom right near the weld point has had some work as well as the left side under the tire carrier. That AC is worthless and will not cool at all unless the firewall has been properly insulated so that is not a selling point. They also chopped the rear doors which takes a lot of the value out of that rig. Take more pics of the engine too so we can see what's good/bad. The electric fuel pump is junk. Drive it around for awhile too and let the engine get warm and see how hot it runs and let us know or take a picture of the temp gauge after 15 mins so we can see how hot its running. See if it blows white or black smoke at start up too.

Then you can come back here and we can give you a better assessment. That paint job is a little suspect. Looks like they may have painted over some rust in some places.

Good luck! I searched for 7 years before I settled on my rig and I easily looked at over a 1000 FJ40s before I found what I wanted.
 
While all the advice here is great! Buying a Cruiser is not a life sentence. If you buy it right you can enjoy it and upgrade to a better rig if and when you find it. I've owned so many great ones. No two are alike. They have personalities. None are perfect and they all need something. It's a lot of fun to own one and be able to make it better than when you found it. There are a few I wish I still had.
 
FJ4013 said:
Take a lot of pictures (clear and well lit) tomorrow and then come post them on here for us to look at. Especially the entire undercarriage. Under the front fenders where the weld points are and the rear quarter panels. I can't tell from the pics in the ad but it looks like the rear bottom right near the weld point has had some work as well as the left side under the tire carrier. That AC is worthless and will not cool at all unless the firewall has been properly insulated so that is not a selling point. They also chopped the rear doors which takes a lot of the value out of that rig. Take more pics of the engine too so we can see what's good/bad. The electric fuel pump is junk. Drive it around for awhile too and let the engine get warm and see how hot it runs and let us know or take a picture of the temp gauge after 15 mins so we can see how hot its running. See if it blows white or black smoke at start up too.

Then you can come back here and we can give you a better assessment. That paint job is a little suspect. Looks like they may have painted over some rust in some places.

Good luck! I searched for 7 years before I settled on my rig and I easily looked at over a 1000 FJ40s before I found what I wanted.
Click to expand...

Thanks FJ4013. That's exactly the type of advice I was looking for.
On my way there now.
I plan to run a magnet over those "suspect" areas as well.
 
overton said:
You may want to take a look at this Red 78. For close to the same money you get a frame off restored FJ40 with many items the blue truck is missing. PS, rear bumperettes, rear reflectors, lower miles, original front & rear mats, no rhino lining, rear heater, Auburn limited slip differential, amby doors that are not cut, manual, toolkit, inspection light, door straps and for a close offer, I will throw in $600 worth of OEM steel wheels.

I just invested another $700 in this truck with new OEM visors, new clutch master, new plugs, tune up, adjust carb, etc.

To see all the details click here -> lcn | 1978 FJ40 PS

The Hemmings truck does have aftermarket A/C and a winch to it's credit.
Click to expand...

If it was a different color I would be interested in this one. Looks very nice.
 
I am planning to get a Beige 1979 FJ40 I used to own back on consignment. She spent most her life in Yuma, AZ. Born Olive Brown 653 and was repainted Beige. Highlights, links and photos below are from 2016. She has been garaged and driven sparingly since. Anticipated pricing in the low $30's
1911924
1911925
1911926

2016
Low Miles
Rust Free AZ Sheet Metal
Working Factory A/C
Original Upholstery Front
New Jump Seat Covers
New Dash pad
New Headliner
Radio Delete
Rear Heater
Original Mats
3:70 Gears
Front Disc Brakes

Here's a link to my old website and the listing from 2016. Click on Photos and it will take you out to the Fototime gallery -
 
Ok guys, let me know your observations. I am somewhat disappointed will the truck. Some of the pics are hard to recognize their location. Look at the Hemmings link for the wide angle shots. The rust actually looks worse in the pics than in person. But this is clearly not a $29k truck.
Give me your specific insights and help me determine a value if you don't mind.
 
Last edited:
overton said:
I am planning to get a Beige 1979 FJ40 I used to own back on consignment. She spent most her life in Yuma, AZ. Born Olive Brown 653 and was repainted Beige. Highlights, links and photos below are from 2016. She has been garaged and driven sparingly since. Anticipated pricing in the low $30's
View attachment 1911924View attachment 1911925View attachment 1911926
2016
Low Miles
Rust Free AZ Sheet Metal
Working Factory A/C
Original Upholstery Front
New Jump Seat Covers
New Dash pad
New Headliner
Radio Delete
Rear Heater
Original Mats
3:70 Gears
Front Disc Brakes

Here's a link to my old website and the listing from 2016. Click on Photos and it will take you out to the Fototime gallery -
Click to expand...

I don't know where you find these trucks, but one day I'm going to walk into your shop and plop 30k down and drive one away.
 
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